Born Sept. 2, 1927 in Ozark, Mr. Oliver was a U.S. Army veteran serving from April 1946 through September 1947.

He was stationed in occupied Japan and served as a squadron leader and paratrooper. Bill attained the rank of staff sergeant.

Mr. Oliver was a lifelong farmer. He was a former member of the Production Credit board of directors as well as the Egyptian Livestock Association board of directors.

Mr. Oliver was a 40-plus year member of New Columbia Masonic Lodge 336 AF&AM and was a member of New Hope Baptist Church in Massac County.

Survivors include two sons, William David Oliver and wife Beverly of Centerville, Ohio and Tim L. Oliver and wife Vena of Vienna; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, June Staton and her husband Ed of Belknap and Mary Yandell and husband Kenneth of Tunnel Hill; a former spouse, Shirley Mathis Travis of Grantsburg; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnie Oliver and Beulah Emerson Oliver; his second wife, Jodene Elkins McNichols Oliver; his third wife, Jewell Johnston Bodimer Oliver; and one brother, Robert Oliver.

Funeral service was held Tuesday at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna with Rev. Frank Forthman officiating.

Burial followed at Metropolis Memorial Gardens with military graveside rites conducted by Beggs-Gurley VFW Post 5222 and the Illinois National Guard Burial Honors Detail.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 4503 W. DeYoung St., Suite 200C, Marion, IL 62959; or to New Hope Baptist Church Building Fund, c/o Kent Korte, 5870 New Columbia Road, Metropolis, IL 62960.